In brief
In light of alarming threats and a previous assassination attempt, Lee Jae-myung, front-runner in South Korea's presidential race, has adopted unprecedented security measures. His precautions include wearing a bulletproof vest and speaking from behind protective glass. This response reflects the growing intensity of political polarization in the country.
Lee's decision stems from a January attack where he was stabbed while meeting supporters, highlighting the rare but severe incidents of political violence in South Korea. Even with a general societal aversion to firearms, the current atmosphere has prompted law enforcement to monitor and react to multiple threats directed towards Lee, complicating an already tense election landscape.
